When you hear the words – “One gem, multiple hues,” what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? We bet it’s the topaz.
Found in several eye-catching hues, this delightfully bright gemstone has become a household name over the years.
Speaking of which, an interesting aspect about this jewel is that no one knows the origin of its moniker. And while some believe that the stone was named after Topazios – a small island in the red sea, others argue that its title was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ which translates to ‘fire.’
Either way, if you’re someone who loves a little mystery with their sparkle, then this gem could be the one for you. But how do you maintain it and can you really leave it in water?
Well, luckily for you, these are two mysteries that we’ll definitely be solving today.
Read on…
The Main Question… Can Topaz Go in Water?
Yes, it can! But only for a short while.
Though dipping your stone for a bit won’t hurt it, submerging it in water for an extended period can cause irreversible harm. This damage can occur in two ways:
• Structural Damage
Before discussing this point, we must first explain the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. You see, in order to measure a gem’s durability, Fredrich Mohs developed an ordinal scale in 1822 which he promptly called the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
It was later proven that gemstones which rated 5 or higher on this scale were more resistant to the negative effects of water. With an 8/10 rating on the Mohs scale, topaz is one of the tougher ones available today.
While cleaning the gem by soaking it in water for a short span of time will not cause any harm, submerging it for extended periods over a long time can lead to the development of cracks on its surface. And the stone can also eventually break.
• Physical Damage
As with most gemstones, the topaz is typically polished before being embellished onto a design. This polish is extremely important as it enhances the stone’s shine and greatly improves its overall appeal.
Unfortunately, this polish can be washed away by water. This is especially true if the water has salt or chlorine mixed in it. Needless to say, the resultant jewel is a dull one that’s largely devoid of sparkle.
Now that we’ve answered the question ‘can topaz go in water?’, let’s move on to the second mystery – how do you maintain it?
How Can You Clean Your Topaz?
Honestly, the best way to clean your blue topaz jewellery is to soak it for 3-5 minutes in a lukewarm soap water solution (don’t worry! nothing will happen to your gem during this period).
Once done, gently scrub the piece with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove all the dirt and grime. Pay special attention to the edges of the gem and the settings of your piece as that’s where most of the dirt lies.
After completing this step, place your accessory under running water to wash away any excess soap and leave it aside to airdry.
Note: We recommend flipping your jewellery item a few times during the drying process to ensure that all the water leaves the gemstone.
General Tips to Take Care of Your Topaz
When drying your stone, do not expose it to direct sunlight or heat as that could cause the gem to lose its colour over time. We also do not suggest cleaning your jewel with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner as these devices could harm your stunner. Apart from this, get your stone professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Did You Know?
That according to the Bible, the topaz was one of the 12 stones used to build the foundation of the walls of New Jerusalem (also known as Heaven).
And while topaz was loved back then, it’s nothing close to how much it’s adored today. London blue topaz engagement rings, for example, are forever trending within the fine jewellery industry.
This is mainly due to the stone’s romantic symbolism and its rich hue which later doubles as the couple’s ‘something blue’ on their wedding day.
Apart from the topaz, one of the most common questions we get asked is ‘can rose quartz go in water?’ Our answer – we personally don’t recommend it. Unlike the topaz, the rose quartz is slightly less durable and is, therefore, more likely to crack if submerged in water for a long time.
On the other hand, the aquamarine is slightly more resistant and can therefore be placed in water. If you’d like to know the reason behind the stone’s resistance, we highly recommend reading our article titled ‘can aquamarine go in water?’
